South Korean All-Star closer Go Woo-suk is now available for Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs, as confirmed by the announcement from the league office on Tuesday.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) revealed that MLB officially informed its 30 clubs about Go’s posting by his domestic team, the LG Twins, on Monday (US time). This confirmation aligns with earlier reports by US media on the same day.
The 25-year-old right-hander is free to sign with any MLB team during the 30-day negotiating window, commencing at 8 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday and concluding at 5 p.m. ET on January 3.
Last Tuesday, the KBO requested MLB to post Go after the Twins agreed to make him available under the condition that he wouldn’t depart on a less favorable deal.
KBO teams are entitled to a “release fee” if a player leaves for MLB through posting, depending on the guaranteed value of the player’s contract. The fee is 20 percent of the first $25 million and 17.5 percent of the amount exceeding the next $25 million. For contracts over $50 million, the former KBO team receives 20 percent of the first $25 million ($5 million), 17.5 percent of the next $25 million ($4,375,000), plus 15 percent of the amount exceeding $50 million.
Go is the second KBO player posted on Monday, joining Kiwoom Heroes outfielder Lee Jung-hoo, the 2022 KBO regular season MVP, whose negotiating window will also close on January 3. Notably, Go and Lee share a close friendship, with Go being married to Lee’s younger sister.
Having assumed the role of a closer in 2019, Go has been one of the top closers in the KBO, securing 139 saves from 2019 to 2023, the highest among closers in that period. With 334 strikeouts and 115 walks in 275 1/3 innings over five seasons, he boasts a 2.39 ERA, the lowest among all closers from 2019 to 2023.
Known for his impressive fastball, Go averaged 152.5 kph in 2023, making him one of the hardest-throwing relievers in the KBO. Despite missing several weeks this season due to injuries and early struggles in the Korean Series, Go played a pivotal role in the Twins’ championship victory against the KT Wiz on November 13, securing the final three outs in a non-save situation.
